I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more COWBELL- Cyclocross race in Augusta, NJ

After taking a break from 'cross racing last weekend in order to take the LT test, I was eager to get back to it.

I was ready for more pain. I was ready for more fun.

I was ready for more cowbell.

The Augusta race was the last of the NJ cross series. I've participated in about 3 others, and thought they were fantastic races with well designed courses and a warm, welcome feel. All of the courses had been very well designed, and each race was a completely different experience because of it.

Upon my arrival, a thick fog had descended over the course. This, of course meant it was much colder than it would be later in the day. the C races always go first, and that normally means they have to race in colder (and sometimes crappier conditions. Isn't it funny how that works?

The temperature was in the 40's while i was on the bike. aside from my feet, which were numb by the end of the race, I felt fine.

I had a chance to spin my legs out and warm up, which is so important on a cold race day. I got to chat it up with a few new and familiar faces. You end up seeing many of the same people for most of these races, which makes for a more friendly and familiar feel.

As we waited for the start, the race organizers thanked us for coming out, and invited us to all come back next year for another great cross experience. I'm looking forward to it.

Once the whistle was blown, the bunch sprint started. I knew this was going to be a faster course than usual, so I decided to put a little more energy into the starting spring in order to vie for a better position.

I stuck with the pack for a good while until it spread out, but was happy with my placement. It's a delicate balance between putting enough energy to be in a good spot and blowing yourself up too early.

The course was indeed fast; there were some nice descents that allowed you to get a good bit of speed. however, with descents come rises. and run ups.

After the first lap, i started to feel it. I concentrated on keeping a steady rhythm and choosing the best lines through the turns. there were a few slips here and there, but no hilariously awesome crashes to report (unfortunately, i know...)

The pain train went on until i heard the bell lap. One of my goals for this race was to not get lapped. I saw the leaders making way, and I started to push it harder in order to avoid getting spanked. I was able to hold off and complete the full five laps. I had a strong last lap, and was able to pass a few people. I ended up coming in 36th out of 54. A little better than each prior race. A good end to a good race.

My back and my lungs were killing me, but i felt good (in a terribly painful sort of way.) My obnoxiously green steed was with me the whole way, and took some solid pounding without complaints. I'm yearning for a more solid wheelset, however (I'm lookin at you, 2007 Ksyrium Elites...)

Big ups to Patrick Clifford, who's been rocking the C- races all season. he came in second this week and was first at Jamestown. Super talented guy, and really personable. look out for him. and a Super big thanks to my buddy Tom for snapping most of these shots. Thanks for comin out buddy!

In my limited experiences with cyclocross (five races),I've noticed that a wonderful paradox exists: Pain and fun. Is it the fun that brings us pain? or is it the pain that brings us fun?

I might be getting a little too poetic here, but I think that anyone who appreciates the concept of suffering on a bike knows what I mean. We jump on these marvelous two-wheeled inventions, and we go out there to suffer. reallly suffer. We want it. It makes us better.

I'm reminded of a quote i read a while back about the relationship between pain and cycling:

"To be a cyclist is to be a student of pain....at cycling's core lies pain, hard and bitter as the pit inside a juicy peach. It doesn't matter if you're sprinting for an Olympic medal, a town sign, a trailhead, or the rest stop with the homemade brownies. If you never confront pain, you're missing the essence of the sport. Without pain, there's no adversity. Without adversity, no challenge. Without challenge, no improvement. No improvement, no sense of accomplishment and no deep-down joy. Might as well be playing Tiddly-Winks."

-Scott Martin

If being a road cyclist means one is a student of pain, then being a 'cross racer is akin to taking the honors courses. It's intense. It's and hour of solid sufferocity. you don't have too much time to contemplate it like you would on a climb a few miles long. You push yourself to the brink, and keep it there until you can't bear it anymore. That's usually when you encounter a muddy run up or a set of barriers. @#$@%^.

When it's all done with, a sense of peace and accomplishment comes over me. regardless of what place I came in. As long as I finish. That kind of pain is cleansing to me. out on that course, the last thing on my mind are my neuroses, romantic problems, and dissatisfaction with life. I guess you could classify what we do as a form of escapism, but the difference is what we do isn't destructive. It's beautiful.


and muddy!